COMMON QUESTIONSABOUT EARTHLINK ACCESS SOFTWARE

What is EarthLink Access Software?
EarthLink Access Software is our free software that helps our members connect to the Internet more reliably, surf faster, stay safer, and get the most out of their EarthLink experience. The software is available for Windows XP and Windows Vista computers; our EarthLink Access Software is available for earlier versions of Windows (see full system requirements below).

Is EarthLink Access Software free?Yes. You can download EarthLink Access Software or order a free CD. But only EarthLink members can use the software. If you are not yet a member you can sign up during software installation.

Are the download version and the CD version the same?No. To make the software faster and easier to download, not all features on the CD version are included with the download (see following questions for details).

What features do I get when I install EarthLink Access Software from the CD?
The CD version of EarthLink Access Software gives you all these features:

Simple Switch – makes it simple to import your contacts into EarthLink Web Mail, and sends out new email address notifications to the contacts you choose.

Do I have to use EarthLink Access Software as an EarthLink member?No. We recommend that our Dial-Up customers use EarthLink Access Software to help them manage their connections, but you don't have to install our software to access the Internet. Many of the features of EarthLink Access Software (Accelerator) are available as stand-alone programs, without installing EarthLink Access Software. Click through our Software & Tools pages to see all your options.

How will I know if I have the latest version of EarthLink Access Software?
EarthLink Access Software includes a built-in update manager which should automatically notify you when there are updates to download.

I'm an EarthLink access member, but my email address doesn't end with @earthlink.net. Will EarthLink Access Software still work for me?Yes. EarthLink Access Software supports all EarthLink domains.

Do I need administrator rights to install EarthLink Access Software?Yes. You need administrator rights on your computer to install the software and to set up locations and profiles. If you've installed software on your computer successfully in the past, chances are you already have administrator rights. For more information about administrator rights, consult your Windows help files.

Does EarthLink Access Software come with an email program?No. We recommend that you use EarthLink Web Mail (sign in at http://webmail.earthlink.net/) for your EarthLink email. EarthLink Access Software comes with a built-in Simple Switch feature that automatically imports your contacts into your Web Mail Address Book. You may also use other email programs like Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, and Mail.

How do I get help with EarthLink Access Software?
The easiest way to get EarthLink Access Software help is to click Help & Info from the EarthLink menu, then choose Connection Manager Help. You'll find detailed answers to most questions there. If you need additional technical help, you can visit the EarthLink Support Center at http://support.earthlink.net. And if you want to speak with someone directly, you can always give us a call at 1-888-EARTHLINK (1-888-327-8454).

What are the system requirements for EarthLink Access Software?
Your computer must meet these system requirements to run EarthLink Access Software:

Operating system: Windows® 7, Vista®, or XP (with SP2 or higher)*

CPU: Intel Pentium (or compatible) 800MHz or faster

RAM: 64MB

Hard disk: 115MB available

* EarthLink Access Software is not compatible with Mac OS.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT EARTHLINK HOME NETWORKING

What is Home Networking?
EarthLink Home Networking is a way to link and protect computers and peripherals (such as printers, scanners, and disk drives) in your home. It allows you to swap files among your computers, share one printer, and access the Internet at high speed from multiple locations. We combine this flexibility with a tech-supported firewall to hide your computer from Internet intruders, and a wireless encryption system to protect your network from unauthorized wireless access.

What are the benefits of EarthLink Home Networking?
EarthLink Home Networking saves you time and money, and helps you create a secure network for your home. With a home network, you can surf the Internet, swap files, and play streaming audio over multiple computers, all at the same time. You also have peace of mind knowing that your network is configured to support and protect your home computers. Our firewall helps hide your computer from Internet intruders, and our wireless encryption protects you from unauthorized wireless access. If you have any questions, just call our award-winning customer support team.

Why should I buy this from EarthLink instead of a retail store?
EarthLink can supply you with everything you need, including service, the router, adapters, and support. Our Home Networking consultants will help you design the perfect network for your home, and our award-winning technical specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to make sure it works.

Can EarthLink support my network even if I purchased my router somewhere else?
Yes. EarthLink can provide connection assistance and support for your network, even if you did not purchase your equipment from us. To learn more, call 1.800.327.8454 today to speak with one of our Home Networking Experts.

Can I have both PCs and Macs on my home network?
Yes, and both can surf the Internet at the same time, at the same high speed. However, you cannot share files between PCs and Macs.

How fast is it?
Data rates are as fast as 300Mbps

Will the router become obsolete in a few months?
No. The router includes free software upgrades and product enhancements. You will be able to easily download upgrades through your EarthLink High Speed Internet connection.

EARTHLINK HOME NETWORKINGSERVICE & ON-CALL SUPPORT

EarthLink can now provide connection assistance and ongoing support for your home network—even if you purchased your router from another provider or a retail store. You don’t even need to have EarthLink High Speed Internet.